<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 14.17.08.05" title_num="14" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="08" heading="Independent Testing Laboratory Responsibilities.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In this regulation, “supporting data” means charts, graphs, spectra, or other information resulting from the testing of cannabis or cannabis products.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An independent testing laboratory shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Establish and follow statistically valid sampling methods to obtain samples from licensees;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Adopt standard operating procedures that are approved by the Administration to test cannabis, cannabis concentrate, and any other product that contains more than 0.5 milligrams of THC per serving and 2.5 milligrams of THC per package;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Perform sampling, testing, and analysis of cannabis and cannabis products in accordance with the Administration’s Technical Authority;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>In the event a test result is outside action limits:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Follow standard operating procedure to confirm or refute the original result;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Notify the Administration of the failed test result via reporting in the seed-to-sale tracking system within 24 hours of the determination; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Follow testing protocols established in the MCA’s Technical Authority.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Issue to the licensee a certificate of analysis for each batch or lot, with supporting data upon request, to report concentrations of compounds, presences of contaminants, and whether the batch or lot is within action limits for certain characteristics, as required by the Technical Authority; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>After the analysis is complete, weigh, document, and destroy all green waste in accordance with a standard operating procedure approved by the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>An independent testing laboratory may only handle, test, or analyze cannabis or cannabis products if it:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Has been registered by the Administration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Is independent from any entity licensed under Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article, §36-401, Annotated Code of Maryland, to grow, process, or dispense cannabis;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Is accredited by an accreditation body or has a provisional registration from the Administration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Has established standard operating procedures that provide for adequate chain of custody controls for samples transferred to the independent testing laboratory for testing, which are approved by the Administration; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Enters timely and accurate data into the seed-to-sale tracking system that identifies and tracks samples.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Upon request, in a format determined by the Administration, independent testing laboratories shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide materials to the State Cannabis Testing Laboratory to conduct the activities under Regulation .07B of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>As part of a licensee inspection, analyze samples and provide a written report to the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>